Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life

The author reports in an Afterword that he came across a collection of slave-related documents that included an “estate sale” of eleven slaves (along with cows, hogs, and cotton). Since the slaves were only referred to by gender and age, he decided he wanted to create stories for them and give them voices.

He introduces each slave by a picture he has imagined of the slave, noting his or her age and price. Then he envisions the slaves, in free-verse first-person narrative, describing the roles the might have played on the estate. The next page after each introduction imagines the dreams of that slave, which are in stark contrast to what a slave is allowed to do, and which always end with the dream of freedom.

Athelia, for example, show more explains that she is the laundress for the Fairchild’s estate and she works “from dawn to dusk, in rain, cold, stifling heat.” Sometimes she has to do more: “As slaves, we do what our owners expect and demand of us.” But she adds, “As human beings, our real lives are our precious secret.” Then she tells of her dreams of the songs and stories of her past in Africa, and of her longing to be free.

Bacus, who works with metals on the estate, has a wife and daughter. Now that they are all up for sale, he is terrified his family will be broken up: “I hardly sleep nights. I have terrible thoughts of separation. Powerless to keep my family together.” He dreams of respect, justice, and of course, freedom.

Each of the eleven slaves is given a voice in this book.

The author/illustrator has won Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award among other accolades. He uses brightly colored drawings and mixed media that he has said draw upon African-American spirituals, poetry, and folklore.

Evaluation: Bryan found an excellent way to show both the harsh realities of slaves, and the ways in which they might have realized some joy through their families, their friends, their memories, and their hopes. show less

Unfortunately, I don't find that this succeeds in bringing the appraisal document to life. I think the document speaks for itself, to be honest. Seeing the names of people listed just the same way that cattle, hogs, and a handmill are listed is powerful.

Having short stories of their lives told in free verse dilutes the message, imo. Especially because 11 is a large number, and each person ran together with each other as I worked through the book. And 'Dora,' the only child in this children's book, didn't get to have her pages!

Too bad. An important book, but not one I imagine that most of the intended audience will appreciate.

The premise is fantastic and the book is deserving of the Newbery Honor award. The author purchased some old documents that listed eleven slaves for sale, their names and dollar amounts given. Bryan created personas for each of them, and writes poems that tell each person's story. Lovely. My only sadness is that I'm not a fan of the illustrations. Someday, maybe a new edition will come out.

Eleven slaves are being sold after their master's death and his widow wants to move back to England. All with strong skill sets, there are two poems for each of the eleven characters exploring their identity and their dreams. A quick read based on a historical document.

I love the poems in this book because they bring us back to reality and troubling things that have happened in history. The fact that it incorporates real primary sources and still manages not to be incredibly dark is amazing. The text, illustrations, and even page colors create an entire experience. You're moved. This is definitely a book that could be used in early classrooms to teach a variety of subjects be it art, illustration, history, or writing.

Beautiful and poignant, poetry and imagination of both what slave life was like and what dreams they had. I particularly love how each person has another name in their dream life.

Page after page of colorful images with a story to tell make this an excellent 2017 Newbery award winner! Eleven slaves sold for varying prices, listed by the price, name and role served on the plantation/farm. Taken from a real-life document found by the author,this is an incredible realistic book rendered highly creative by giving a voice to each slave in the major contribution each has to keep the farm running. When the elderly woman who owned the slaves becomes a widow, she decides to go back to England where her memories take her to a nicer time.

Incredible! Imagine how the slaves felt about their life compared to hers!